Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping => Gallery Showcase => Topic started by: Paddyc on September 03, 2016, 03:29:37 PM

Title: Custom LED Tank Light build
Post by: Paddyc on September 03, 2016, 03:29:37 PM

Hi All, this is how I built my own custom LED light to replace my ageing flourescent white/blue light unit. The aim is to conserve energy and produce a more vibrant colour display of the fish and decor.

First off, the equipment I used.
(http://i.imgur.com/6CteR4b.jpg)

A measured and cut piece of aluminium to act as the backing plate the LED strips will be attached to
(http://i.imgur.com/ueBlOOv.jpg)

Measuring and cutting the LED strips to size (for mine I'm using 3 strips of white and 2 strips of blue)
(http://i.imgur.com/x5MQTuQ.jpg)

Removing the piece of silicone to expose the electrical connections for soldering
(http://i.imgur.com/VIbMQ4j.jpg)

Testing the strips for positive and negative polarity using the exposed wires from my power supply
(http://i.imgur.com/oWxXTPs.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/pT2yG76.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/EEqEHfp.jpg)

Measuring and cutting enough lengths of wire for each strip
(http://i.imgur.com/C1NBYyQ.jpg)

Once the wires are soldered onto the separate strips, wiring the positive and negative bunches together before using terminal strip to connect to the power supply
(http://i.imgur.com/NvnHTBk.jpg)

Testing the lights out
(http://i.imgur.com/UaIcw2f.jpg)

Sealing up the exposed connections with white sealant. I did this at both ends of each strip and also completely sealed up the terminal strip which will sit on top of the aluminium base plate.
(http://i.imgur.com/QnsHJnr.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/3oIXpld.jpg)

Comparing the two light units side by side, the LED light is much crisper and the blue is much deeper. The photos don't do justice to seeing it in the flesh
(http://i.imgur.com/5BIipCs.jpg)

Before and after pics of the tank...
(http://i.imgur.com/sj1zQj1.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/vPKoDUU.jpg)

Title: Re: Custom LED Tank Light build
Post by: ColinB on September 03, 2016, 05:24:37 PM

Definitely sharper illumination. Nice one!

Title: Re: Custom LED Tank Light build
Post by: Matt on September 03, 2016, 09:24:12 PM

Good job  :))

 :fishy1:

Title: Re: Custom LED Tank Light build
Post by: Littlefish on September 04, 2016, 11:45:50 AM

Yes, the light definitely looks better after installing the LEDs.
Well done.  :)

Title: Re: Custom LED Tank Light build
Post by: Paddyc on September 06, 2016, 01:07:22 PM

Thanks guys. The new light, while a bit rustic, is much lower profile so i am already designing a storage tray to attach to the top of it which will be waterproofed so i can chuck the net in there and also be a handy place to keep the fish food  8)